October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, a month to celebrate the loving bully breed, shatter stereotypes, and promote adoption.

Pit bulls and bully-mixes make up to 60% of the total dog population in many U.S. animal shelters. Due to overcrowded shelters, long stays, and fewer adopters, pit bulls are also the most euthanized dogs in the United States. 

Pit bulls are often overlooked because they are considered aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous. These are just a few of the myths that are holding back these affectionate and loyal dogs.

Countless organizations are working to debunk these harmful myths and accurately portray the bully breeds. According to the American Pit Bull Foundation (APBF), "It is reported on temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society that pit bulls had a passing rate of 82% or better — compared to only 77% of the general dog population. Any signs of unprovoked aggression or panic in these situations result in failure of the test. The achievement of pit bulls in this study disproves that they are inherently aggressive to people."

Pit bulls have also been mistreated and used in illegal dog fights for years. The pain and suffering they have endured is unimaginable. Each dog is an individual with unique personalities. Just because this breed has been associated with dog fighting does not mean that all pit bulls are aggressive towards other animals. APBF states, "Aggression comes from many factors involving environment, development during critical periods, but most importantly, human shaping of behavior." 

Housing restrictions also add to the overpopulation of pit bulls in shelters. Many landlords will ban bully breeds based on looks and myths rather than on an individual dog's personality and disposition. 

Many pit bulls are friendly and do a whole-body wiggle when they meet a new person. These loving dogs are sitting in kennels for months and many end up on "death row" due to overcrowding. 

How You Can Help

They all deserve a second chance to find a loving home. Please consider adopting a pit bull and see for yourself what amazing dogs, and yes, even family dogs, they can be. ASPCA shared many ways to help advocate for pit bulls. 

If you are a proud parent of a pit bull, we would love to hear about your dog in the comments and how they shatter the stereotypes. 

Send some comfort and love to shelter dogs waiting to be adopted by donating here. These care packs will make their day a little brighter and show them someone cares.